The weak scholar in the end of ancient times

Chapter 97 Lie down?

No matter how conflicted Master Qingyi was about the document, he felt quite good about reviewing it.

This once again made my uncle and his family realize the importance of craftsmen, especially master craftsmen who are skilled in grinding, as they can save countless hours and manpower, and even turn the tide of battle!

With more and more technical secrets being involved, will people continue to trust other companies' craftsmen?

If you don't have craftsmen, go find some!
Go and train them!

What is most important to all parties right now?
time!

Winter will soon be over, and the weather will soon warm up. When the cold no longer provides shelter and all things revive, we will face another round of threats.

The number of survivors scattered across the land will dwindle again. Whether it's death or transformation into something monstrous, it's detrimental to everyone.

I'll go back and continue organizing my plans for the new year.

I'm wondering if I should give my uncle and cousin some more positive guidance to help them achieve their common goal?

Soon, it was New Year's Eve.

Besides the main family members of the Zhao family, there were also some special and important relatives and friends at the Zhao family's New Year's banquet. For example, several members of the Zhao family.

The Zhao family mostly lived in Chaohuifang. The people of Chaohuifang had never had a good attitude towards Wen Gu.

In Xinzhou, power is concentrated in the hands of the Zhao family father and son. Regardless of whether they are cousins ​​or distant relatives, they can get some help based on kinship alone, but it is difficult to gain more power!
The Zhao family didn't gain much benefit, and the Shen family fared much worse.

However, reviewing the past is an exception among "relatives".

The Zhao family has never given a good attitude to this "exception".

The contrast between the past and present makes them seem like worthless people; how could anyone possibly like them?

Not far away, several men surnamed Zhao gathered together, pointing and commenting on Wen Gu.

"How could one person surnamed Wen be here... no, there are two people surnamed Wen here!"

Also included was a man with the same surname, Wen, named Tie Tou.

Smuggling in "hidden agendas"!
Although Tie Tou's situation was special, he still brought an extra person. And with an extra person, a seat was taken away!
"We can't bring another child, but Wen Gu can even bring a mentally challenged person!"

"They don't even have the surname Zhao, not even Shen!"

It is said that a person's appearance can be described as "a person of great stature," but this is not the case in the Zhao family.

A few days ago, when people learned that Wen Gu was going to spend the New Year at the Zhao family's residence, many were green with envy.

A small group of people were talking nonsense there.

Sitting to the side was an old man with almost completely white hair and beard. According to seniority, Young Master Zhao called him Second Grandfather, while others called him "Second Great-Grandfather Zhao".

Second Master Zhao had only one son, who died in battle on the border many years ago. He had contributed to the development of the Zhao family in Xinzhou, but he was unable to leave any descendants.

Because of his fondness for the past, the head of the Zhao family would invite Second Master Zhao over to celebrate the New Year together every year.

In the past, Old Master Zhao had been immersed in the sorrow of the past for a long time, but after the world became chaotic, he seemed to have come to a new understanding, his spirits lifted, and he even adopted a grandson from the clan.

Encouraged by some people in the neighborhood, Master Zhao brought his grandson to the Zhao residence today for the New Year, though he had ulterior motives.

As people get older, they become more emotional and stubborn. Therefore, even though he knew it would displease the head of the Zhao family, Second Master Zhao still decided to swallow his pride and try to get a benefit for his grandson.

These elders all knew that, in terms of family loyalty, the Zhao family head favored them more than the young master Zhao.

Given the opportunity, they would go directly to the Zhao family head.

Therefore, as soon as the head of the Zhao family appeared, Second Master Zhao walked over with his old, cold legs.

The head of the Zhao family looked a little tired, but he was in good spirits and had been in a good mood these past two days.

Today is the Lunar New Year's Eve family dinner, and all those present are relatives. The person in charge has a much gentler gaze, and his words are more casual and friendly.

When asked why Wen Gu was spending the New Year at the Zhao residence, the Zhao family head replied, "Wen Gu's family has encountered some misfortune, and as his uncle, it is only natural for me to take care of him."

Before long, someone from the Zhao family, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally, started complaining about their good-for-nothing descendants.

The head of the Zhao family comforted him, saying, "Children and grandchildren have their own blessings."

Go with the flow of good fortune; there's no need to force things.

If you really had the ability, you would have used it already. If you're not capable enough, don't come here and cause trouble!

However, what the Zhao family head said was interpreted differently by others—

Two blatantly different attitudes—double standards!

The man was met with double standards from the Zhao family head, and not daring to question them based on their kinship, he retreated dejectedly.

It was at this time that Second Master Zhao arrived.

Forget about attitudes; at his age, he can't afford to worry about so much.

The head of the Zhao family smiled helplessly. He knew what Second Master Zhao was going to say, but he was willing to be more tolerant of this elder of the same clan.

The child that Second Master Zhao adopted from the clan was already over ten years old; he was quite old when he was adopted.

But I can understand.

In today's unstable world, those who are too young may not grow up. This age is just right; they are receptive to advice, understand the pros and cons, and have a stronger ability to protect themselves.

Grandpa Zhao kept mentioning his beloved grandson: "Han'er does have a bit of a boyish temper, but aren't all children this age like that? They're full of energy..."

The head of the Zhao family thought to himself: That's just being mischievous and not thinking about important matters.

What can a ten-year-old do?
Besides, the child you adopted was neither good at literature nor martial arts; he could even drive his teacher away when he tried to learn to paint!

Some people can get famous scholars to willingly take them on as students just by reviewing their old painting techniques. Look at yours!

The head of the Zhao family glanced around and spotted the "good grandson" of the second master Zhao.

Near the corner, the child didn't stand out; he was engrossed in eating the pastries and fruit platter.

I don't know what kind of nuts they were cracking open, but the noise was so loud he could hear it all over here!
He's useless at everything, but he eats everything!
I heard that the world was in chaos. On the way to Xinzhou City, the Zhao clan members were fleeing. This child was timid and afraid of trouble. He didn't even dare to take a knife and hid behind others, cowering in fear!
What kind of thing did they adopt?

At this moment, Zhao Han, the "good grandson" of Second Master Zhao, who was being talked about, was engrossed in his meal and did not pay attention to how the people around him were commenting on him. Or rather, he skillfully blocked out the comments from those around him.

Zhao Han knew her own abilities and understood why she was being adopted.

In his original family, six of his siblings survived!
With older brothers and sisters above him and younger brothers and sisters below him, he was the middle child and had a low profile. He was also unruly, couldn't concentrate on his studies, was afraid of hardship and fatigue, and didn't want to practice martial arts.

In this era, ten-year-olds can already understand a lot of things, but this age is also quite awkward.

If you're younger, people will be more considerate and tolerant. If you're older, you can participate in more events.

At his age now, he's not even involved in fights between Chaohuifang and Xianghuifang.

Zhao Han ate as if no one else was there, completely unaware that his second grandfather, Zhao Er Taiye, had swallowed his pride and begged someone for his sake!

The head of the Zhao family was very dissatisfied.

He has always been tolerant of the children in his clan, but now he realizes that being too tolerant is not appropriate in today's world.

Glancing a few more times to the side, there were several other members of the Zhao clan watching as if they were enjoying a spectacle.
The head of the Zhao family was even more dissatisfied.

He didn't want things to get ugly during the Lunar New Year. He decided to take this opportunity to dissuade certain people from their thoughts, force them to face reality, and show them what a disparity in strength truly means, and what the world's disparities are really like!
Since Second Master Zhao has already adopted this thing, just raise it and don't overthink it!

The Zhao family head instructed his attendants, "Bring Wen Gu here."

The Zhao family members paid attention to Wen Gu, while Wen Gu was also observing the Zhao family and heard a lot of gossip.

When his uncle's attendant came to deliver a message, Wen Gu got up and went over. On the way, at his uncle's instruction, the attendant whispered and quickly told Wen Gu about Zhao Han's matter.

Wen Gu didn't show it on his face, his gaze never wavering, but he had already found the corresponding person in his mind. Oh, is that the kid who was munching away in the corner earlier?
It looks alright.

Not the kind of arrogant and domineering brat.

What others see as strengths and weaknesses will be redefined when you review the past.

Thinking about how to deal with it, Wen Gu went to Uncle Zhao's side.

In front of Second Master Zhao, Uncle Zhao didn't say much, only saying, "Zhao Han's temperament is far inferior to that of his father and grandfather in terms of bravery."

The "father" and "grandfather" refer to the deceased cousin and the second grandfather Zhao standing next to him.

Old Master Zhao's face was tense, his expression not good, as he stared warily at Wen Gu. He realized what the Zhao family was up to.

I thought that Wen Gu would make some sarcastic remarks or dig at this time.

But Wen Gu said, "Han Di is flexible and has a clear self-awareness. He can effectively avoid danger in times of crisis, which is also a good quality."

Uncle Zhao opened and closed his mouth several times, but couldn't utter a word. He had completely forgotten what he was going to say.

To portray cowardice, weakness, and fear of death in such a refined and elegant way!
Even Old Master Zhao couldn't keep his composure. Even he couldn't praise someone without his eyes closed.

Although he had a romanticized view of Zhao Han, his adopted grandson, he didn't really go that far!

However, Wen Gu is quite the talker.

The expression on Zhao Er Taiye's face softened slightly.

Uncle Zhao finally remembered his original plan and said to Wen Gu, "Zhao Han has been studying calligraphy and painting with his teacher for nearly a year. You have also been studying painting with Grandpa Hong for a while. Give him some guidance later."

At this moment, the attendants had already brought Zhao Han over, and the table, writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone were all prepared.

Several members of the Zhao clan who were watching from a distance quickly came over to see what was going on.

Zhao Han, who was called over to draw, was a little nervous at first, but quickly calmed down.

However, upon reviewing the past, it seems more like a "what's the use" or "just give up" mentality.

He seemed quite serious when he put pen to paper, not just doing it perfunctorily, but the drawing itself...

The onlookers all looked at him with a puzzled expression: What the hell is this drawing?

I still can't understand it no matter how I look at it.

"Straw?" someone asked.

"Is it Xiaoshan?" another person asked.

Zhao Han's expression was blank: "It's fire!"

Old Master Zhao tried to save face: "The flames are fine. It's the New Year, after all, so we should celebrate with a bright and lively atmosphere!"

Uncle Zhao looked at Wen Gu: "Come here, give me some pointers."

Surrounded by onlookers, Zhao Han fell silent, awaiting their judgment, and instinctively reached for the screen to block the view.

But Wen Gu said, "Exceptionally gifted!"

Everyone looked at him, thinking he was being sarcastic.

Wen Gu carefully observed Zhao Han's painting.

"Although the painting technique is simple, the lines are smooth and have a strong sense of dynamic texture, which is very distinctive. The brushwork is concise but expresses emotions that are different from the common ones, which enhances the tension. This shows that he has extraordinary ambition!"

The Zhao family head stared at Wen Gu.

No, no! Your uncle called you over just so you could show off your skills, not so much so that you'd brag!

The others looked at the painting, then at Wen Gu.

What do you mean by "dynamic texture" and "emotional tension"? Where do you see them?

However, Wen Gu appeared extremely sincere, without a trace of hypocrisy.

Instead of receiving criticism, Zhao Han received such high praise, and felt a surge of heat rise to her face, her ears turning bright red.

Old Master Zhao stammered, "Is...is that so?!"

Living in Chaohuifang, he had heard a lot of negative comments about Wengu, including some saying that Wengu was heartless.

It's all a misunderstanding!

It's all prejudice!

What a wonderful person! He clearly has a sincere heart!
Wen Gu glanced at Uncle Zhao, Zhao Han, and Second Grandfather Zhao, his eyes filled with absolute sincerity: "This style is actually very suitable for dissemination, as long as the right positioning is found."

Old Master Zhao couldn't help but move closer and ask, "Then... what kind of positioning should it have?"

"Come, let's sit here and talk in detail."

Wen Gu pulled Zhao Han and Second Grandfather Zhao to sit down on the side, and the three of them got along well.

Uncle Zhao: "..."

Why did I call Wen Gu over?

Never mind, let them be.

In Wen Gu's view, Zhao Han's skills were not developed in the conventional way and lacked recognition. The more he listened, the less motivated he became, and he chose to give up.

With such great talent for simple comics, how can you just lie around!

Zhao Han is a bit young, but I've heard she's very energetic.

Wen Gu, with a plan in mind, said to Zhao Han and Second Grandfather Zhao, "When I was traveling for my studies... no, on my way north, I heard a few stories about how divine fire extinguished evil spirits during a time of rampant plague..."

"I've been planning to publish a picture book, but I haven't found a suitable illustrator yet. I think Han-di has quite a talent, I wonder if you'd be interested in this?"

It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision; he did have such a plan, but he couldn't find the time or the right person to take it.

After winter comes the peak season for infectious diseases, so it's important to spread knowledge about disease prevention.

Now that I've finally met someone who's a good match in every way except for being a bit young, I certainly can't let this opportunity slip by. Even though he's young, he has his parents to support him!
Wen Gu seriously discussed the character design with Zhao Han, and did not try to fool him just because he was young.

He was indeed impressed by Zhao Han's unique painting style, and with a little adjustment and guidance, she was able to quickly get into her work.

After a few gurgling words, he drank several bowls of chicken soup with chicken blood.

Zhao Han was excited, rubbing his hands together, full of fighting spirit, and couldn't wait:

I'll go back after we finish eating here, and then spend New Year's Eve (and burn out) all night long!
I'll send over the character illustrations to Brother Wen tomorrow so he can choose one!
Wen Gu glanced at the equally excited Second Master Zhao beside him.

Look how diligent the old man is today. He's doing everything he can for his grandson, and he's been persistent in his efforts.

They're all very energetic!

With time, financial resources, and a strong political background, it would be a waste for anyone, young or old, to just lie around at home!

Although the artist chosen for the review was Zhao Han, the idea is to use one to lead ten, and ten to promote a hundred!
Once things start moving, more people will be drawn in.

As the old saying goes: Children and grandchildren have their own blessings; I'm willing to be their beast of burden...

Wen Gu frowned.

Is this the original quote?

Never mind, it's a pretty good fit anyway.

(End of this chapter)